Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars
Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Brilliant Stars (released February 25, 2022) is the ninth main expansion of the Sword & Shield series, featuring 172+ cards and a 30-card "Trainer Gallery" subset. It introduced Pokémon VSTAR, a new mechanic with high-HP Pokémon and powerful, once-per-game abilities, heavily featuring Arceus, Charizard, and Shaymin.
Key Features
- VSTAR Mechanics: VSTAR Pokémon evolve from Pokémon V and offer strong, game-changing VSTAR Powers.
- Trainer Gallery: A subset featuring popular Trainers and their Pokémon in special art, found in the reverse holo slot.
- Key Cards: Top chases include Arceus VSTAR, Charizard VSTAR, and various VMAX cards like Mimikyu VMAX.
- Set Composition: The set is based on the Japanese Star Birth expansion and includes cards from VMAX Climax.
Top Cards & Rarity
- VSTAR Pokémon: 4 (Arceus, Charizard, Shaymin, Whimsicott).
- VMAX Pokémon: 3 (Mimikyu, Aggron, Kingler).
- Secret/Full Art Rares: Include Rainbow Rares and Ultra Rares.
Popularity
- Brilliant Stars is widely considered a, if not the, top set of the Sword & Shield era due to its strong chase cards, playable VSTAR mechanics, and the inclusion of the Trainer Gallery subset
